Luxembourg is an often-overlooked destination in Europe, but it’s a city that should definitely be on your radar. One fun fact about Luxembourg is that it is the only remaining sovereign Grand Duchy in the world. The country is also home to many European Union institutions, including the European Court of Justice and the European Investment Bank. Luxembourg is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Ardennes forest covering most of the country’s northern region. The country has an extensive network of hiking and biking trails, which attract outdoor enthusiasts from all over Europe. Another fun fact about Luxembourg is that it is one of the smallest countries in the world, with a population of around 650,000 people.
During my recent visit, I decided to take on a challenge and run the 21km perimeter of the city to see all the different neighborhoods. And let me tell you, it was an incredible experience! Running around Luxembourg City allowed me to see all the sights, from the lively city center to the calm and serene green spaces that surround the city. The route took me along the Alzette River and through the lush parks and forests, giving me a true feel for the city.
Once I finished my run, I explored the charming Old Town with its narrow streets and historic buildings. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s not hard to see why. The stunning medieval architecture and unique atmosphere made it a highlight of my trip. And of course, I couldn’t resist trying out some of the local vegan restaurants, with Beet being a personal favorite. The cozy ambiance and delicious plant-based dishes made it a must-visit spot.
During my trip to Luxembourg, I had the chance to visit the Museum of Modern Art (MUDAM), and it was a truly fascinating experience. The current exhibits were Face-a-Face, Tourmaline and 25 years of the Mudam collection.
“Face-à-Face” was an exhibition that displayed artworks from different time periods and parts of the world. It aimed to show how different artists, from different eras and backgrounds, explored similar themes and concepts in their work. These included things like the way we see and understand space, the human body and its relationship to the world, and the role of art in society. The exhibition included works from famous art movements such as Surrealism and Bauhaus, as well as contemporary artists from around the world. It also showed how historical events, such as the world wars, influenced artists and their work.
The other main exhibit was Tourmaline. Tourmaline is an artist who created pictures and videos to celebrate the lives of LGBTQI+ people and queer culture. In the exhibition, Tourmaline showed a video called “Pollinator”, which had been donated to the museum by a group called Baloise. In the video, Tourmaline wore old-fashioned clothes and walked around gardens and museums, while footage of an important activist called Marsha P. Johnson was shown. Tourmaline acted like a “pollinator” by carrying things on her clothes, just like how bees carry pollen to help plants grow. The video also included joyful scenes of Tourmaline’s father and interviews with people who knew Johnson. Through this video, Tourmaline celebrated the lives of Black transgender people and imagined a better future for them.
Despite its size, Luxembourg has plenty to offer visitors. From art galleries and museums to a vibrant nightlife scene, there’s something for everyone. And with the gorgeous weather I experienced during my visit, it was the perfect time to explore the city and take in a breathtaking sunset.
But my trip wasn’t without its challenges. On my train ride to Luxembourg, a fallen tree shut down the entire line, forcing us to disembark in the small German town of Cochem in the middle of a freezing wind storm. But as luck would have it, I met three other travelers trying to make their way to Luxembourg, and together we embarked on a five-hour journey through small German towns. We took a bus along the Mosel River to Wittlich, then waited inside the elevator on the platform to keep warm, before finally catching a train to Trier and, ultimately, to Luxembourg. It was a fun and unexpected adventure, and a hilarious way to start my trip to this hidden gem of a city.
